Dr. Joseph Rothrock is often called the Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania. He well understood the need for forest conservation and did more than anyone else to alert the people to the dangers of forest destruction. His writings and speeches convinced the Legislature to authorize the purchase of forest lands that became the basis for the system of state public lands we enjoy today. Rothrock also founded the Pennsylvania State Forest School, now the Penn State Mont Alto campus, to train the first generation of Pennsylvania foresters. Rothrock's work as a scientist, educator, physician, public servant, and conservation advocate is a great inspiration to us all.